No doubt about it, the Detroit Lions need some help in their run game. Is Reggie Bush the answer?

It's a big offseason question and actually just one of many for the Lions.

Running backs Mikel Leshoure and Joique Bell can't carry the load alone. Last season they could not take full advantage of the defenses that were focused on stopping Calvin Johnson and the passing game.

A little fuel was added to the Bush fire this week when Sports Illustrated's Peter King wrote that Bush and the Lions would be a good fit. Willie McGinest, an NFL Network analyst, agrees.

Advertisement

Bush is a pass-catching tailback and the Lions are a passing team that is still missing Jahvid Best who filled a similar role. (Best is still on the roster, but it's unknown if he'll every play again.)

Let's take a closer look.

Bush will be 28 years old on March 2 (he just seems older). The USC product re-invented himself to some degree during the last two seasons with the Miami Dolphins where he had career highs in rushing yardage -- 1,086 in 2011 and 986 in 2012. He also had six rushing touchdowns in each of those seasons with another two receiving touchdowns in 2012 and one in 2011. On top of that he had 296 receiving yards in 2011 and 292 in 2012.

The Lions ranked 23rd in the NFL in 2012 with 1,613 rushing yards (4.1 yards per carry). Only 28 percent of their first downs were of the rushing variety. Clearly not enough.

Now here's the really big question. Even if the Lions wanted Bush can they afford him? Bush, who earned a Super Bowl ring with the 2009 Saints, is coming off a two-year $9,750,000 contract.

The Lions need value. If Bush is looking for $6 million a year, he won't be wearing Honolulu blue and silver in 2013. If it's half that, perhaps there would be interest. It's all about value.

Being a good fit into the scheme is one thing. Fitting into the salary cap is another.

According to multiple reports, Bush wants to return to the Dolphins. But they want to utilize Lamar Miller and Daniel Thomas, their young running backs.

His price tag will eventually adjust to the market. Still, it seems unlikely that Reggie Bush will find a home with the Lions.